Catholic Charities Workforce and Education Program switches to distance learning and distributes care packages to students

Wed, Apr 8th 2020 09:55 am

Challenging times call for creative methods. In
response to the COVID-19 health crisis, Catholic
Charities' Department of Workforce and Education
transitioned its high school equivalency preparatory
classes to distance learning, as on-site classes were
suspended.

To gear up for the change, Catholic Charities'
educators assembled and delivered distance learning
packets to each student, along with a care package of
food and resources week of March 15.

Tote bags donated by the City of Buffalo were filled
with fresh and canned food from Catholic Charities'
food pantries, school supplies, a weekly tutoring
schedule, a list of Catholic Charities' food pantries and
the Buffalo Public Schools' free meal distribution list.

"It is essential that our students continue their
studies during this unprecedented time of school
closure," said Jeffrey Conrad, director of Catholic
Charities Department of Workforce and Education.
"Many of our students also rely on Catholic Charities
for services beyond the classroom, and we will
continue to connect them with those available services
in our community."

Current students can access learning materials
through Catholic Charities' website at ccwny.org/
TASC. Individuals interested in enrolling in Catholic
Charities' high school equivalency preparatory classes,
remedial assistance, or employment assistance, or
college/vocation training can submit a referral form at
that same web address.

"We will continue to update our materials and
capabilities, including making our educators available
to them remotely, to ensure our students have
multiple ways to learn and prepare so they can achieve
their educational and professional goals," Conrad
said, noting that the department is collaborating with
numerous partners to ensure students' needs are met.
"While the approach is a little different right now,
our commitment to our students' success is still top
priority."

In addition to many of its Workforce and
Education services, Catholic Charities is still operating
and meeting the needs of our community through its
nine food pantries, basic needs assistance, counseling,
WIC, and substance abuse treatment, and other
programs. In keeping with local and state mandates,
the agency has transitioned much of its workforce to
working remotely, with employees contacting clients
by phone where possible.

"It is critical now that Catholic Charities
remains a consistent system of support for our
neighbors in our community, so we are continuing
to serve our clients in as many programs and ways
as we possibly can," said Deacon Steve Schumer,
president and chief executive officer of Catholic
Charities. "At the same time, we are following
all directives from state and local officials, with
increased sanitizing protocols to keep our clients,
volunteers and employees safe. We want the
community to know that we are here for them and
ready to answer their call."

The home page of the agency's website, ccwny.org, is updated daily or more often with program
and service changes.
For more information about Catholic Charities,
contact the agency at 716-218-1400 or go to ccwny.org. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.